Ruth 4 7

Ruth 4:7 kjv

Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbor: and this was a testimony in Israel.

Ruth 4:7 nkjv

Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning redeeming and exchanging, to confirm anything: one man took off his sandal and gave it to the other, and this was a confirmation in Israel.

Ruth 4:7 niv

(Now in earlier times in Israel, for the redemption and transfer of property to become final, one party took off his sandal and gave it to the other. This was the method of legalizing transactions in Israel.)

Ruth 4:7 esv

Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning redeeming and exchanging: to confirm a transaction, the one drew off his sandal and gave it to the other, and this was the manner of attesting in Israel.

Ruth 4:7 nlt

Now in those days it was the custom in Israel for anyone transferring a right of purchase to remove his sandal and hand it to the other party. This publicly validated the transaction.

Ruth 4 verses

Ruth 4 7 Meaning

This verse explains a specific legal custom in ancient Israel, indicating that removing and giving one's sandal to another party served as a public and legally binding act to confirm the transfer of property, rights, or the completion of a transaction, particularly related to redemption or exchange. It solidifies the solemnity and finality of such agreements.

Ruth 4 7 Context

Ruth chapter 4 narrates the climactic resolution of the plot, focusing on Boaz's effort to marry Ruth and acquire the family land. This specific verse, Ruth 4:7, acts as an explanatory interjection by the narrator to clarify an ancient legal custom to the contemporary audience. Immediately preceding this verse (Ruth 4:6), Boaz explains the potential downside of the "redeemer" (closer kinsman) stepping up, namely that he would endanger his own inheritance. Following Ruth 4:7, Boaz proceeds with the formal, public act described – taking off his sandal – to confirm his agreement to take on the role of redeemer for Naomi's land and Ruth. The broader historical context is post-Judges era Israel, where local customs and legal traditions governed land transactions, family lineage, and levirate-like obligations, especially important in maintaining family property within tribal boundaries.

Ruth 4 7 Word analysis

• Now (וְזֹאת - ve'zot): This conjunction "and" or "now" introduces a descriptive explanation, marking a parenthetical remark by the narrator for clarity.
• this (זֹאת - zot): Refers to the specific custom being detailed, setting it apart as a unique and perhaps less common practice by the narrator's time.
• was (הִיא - hi): Emphatic "it was," indicating a fixed or established nature of the custom.
• the custom (הַמִּשְׁפָּט - ham-mishpat): "Mishpat" here refers to a legal procedure or right, an established ordinance or customary law, implying a formal, binding tradition. It's not just a casual habit but a recognized legal protocol.
• in former times (לְפָנִים - lefaním): Literally "in earlier times" or "previously." This phrase signifies that the custom was archaic, not necessarily current in the narrator's day, hence the need for explanation. It adds historical depth and authenticates the tradition as ancient.
• in Israel (בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל - b'Yisra'el): Specifies the geographic and cultural context, emphasizing that this was a uniquely Israelite custom, distinct from surrounding nations. It grounds the custom within God's covenant people.
• concerning (עַל - 'al): "About" or "concerning," linking the custom directly to its specific applications.
• redeeming (הַגְּאֻלָּה - hag-ge'ullāh): "Ge'ulah" refers to the act of redemption, specifically for land or kin. This is a core concept in Ruth, pertaining to the obligation of the nearest male relative (go'el) to reclaim property sold due to poverty or to ensure family continuity. It is a vital act of restorative justice.
• and exchanging (וְהַתְּמוּרָה - v'hat-temūrāh): "Temurah" denotes exchange or substitution. It implies changing hands of ownership or trading one right for another. Here, it complements "redemption," indicating that the sandal custom also applied to bartering or formal transfers of rights or possessions.
• to confirm (לְקַיֵּם - l'qayyēm): From "qum," meaning to stand, establish, or confirm. This verb emphasizes the act's purpose: to make something firm, valid, and legally binding. It highlights the seriousness and finality of the transaction.
• a transaction (דָּבָר - dāḇār): Literally "a word," but often means a matter, affair, or legal transaction. Here, it refers to the legal agreement being concluded, signifying the spoken or agreed-upon terms becoming solidified.
• a man (אִישׁ - 'îš): "A man," typical for legal proceedings involving male heads of households in patriarchal Israelite society.
• pulled off (שָׁלַף - shālaf): To draw out, pull off. A decisive, physical action signifying separation or detachment.
• his sandal (נַעֲלוֹ - na'ălō): A piece of footwear. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a sandal was a symbol of possession, authority, and identity. Removing it could signify relinquishing rights or transferring authority to walk on, possess, or rule over the land. Its transfer acts as a deed or symbol of the property itself.
• and gave it (וְנָתַן - v'nāṯan): To give, present, transfer. The act of handing over the sandal physically transferred the right or claim.
• to the other party (לְרֵעֵהוּ - l'rē'ēhū): To his fellow or neighbor, referring to the person involved in the transaction.
• and this (וְזֹאת - v'zōṯ): Reiterates the significance of the act itself.
• was a confirmation (הַתְּקִימָה - hat-t'qîmāh): From the same root as "to confirm" (qum). It means "the establishment" or "the ratification." This is the ultimate effect and legal consequence of the sandal act, validating the entire agreement.
• in Israel (בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל - b'Yisra'el): Again, emphasizes the Israelite specificity of this legal practice, highlighting its unique role within their covenant and legal framework.

Words-group Analysis

• "Now this was the custom in former times in Israel": This phrase highlights the narrator's role in providing explanatory context. It signals that the following details describe an ancient tradition, potentially unfamiliar to the immediate audience, yet deeply embedded in Israel's past legal heritage.
• "concerning redeeming and exchanging, to confirm a transaction": This delineates the specific legal contexts where the sandal custom was applied – related to transferring ownership, especially for land or property, and making any agreement fully binding. It emphasizes that this was not a casual act but a formal legal instrument.
• "a man pulled off his sandal and gave it to the other party": This describes the specific physical act that formed the heart of the custom. The sandal's symbolic transfer served as a tangible sign of the transfer of rights or possession. It was a visible and public demonstration of relinquishment or acquisition.
• "and this was a confirmation in Israel": This summarizes the legal effect of the act. The entire sequence, from verbal agreement to the symbolic sandal exchange, culminated in an undeniable, publicly recognized confirmation of the transaction. It ensured legal validity and prevented disputes.

Ruth 4 7 Bonus section

The symbolism of the sandal extended beyond just a legal formality. In ancient times, the act of walking upon land, or possessing sandals, denoted ownership or the right to traverse and claim territory (e.g., Jos 1:3). Therefore, giving up one's sandal was a concrete demonstration of surrendering all claim, authority, and possession over a property or responsibility. This ancient Israelite custom showcased a culture that prioritized visual, public, and legally clear demonstrations for land and family continuity, which were central to their identity as God's covenant people. The practice here also differs significantly from pagan contract rituals, emphasizing clarity and order within the Israelite legal system.

Ruth 4 7 Commentary

Ruth 4:7 serves as a crucial parenthetical note within the narrative, revealing a particular legal custom unique to ancient Israelite society concerning the formal transfer of property rights, especially related to the important concept of ge'ulah (redemption) and temurah (exchange). The narrator includes this detail because the custom was likely archaic even by the time the book of Ruth was penned, requiring an explanation for clarity. The act of removing and handing over a sandal symbolized the relinquishing of a right or claim by one party and its immediate transfer and assumption by another. It was more than a mere formality; it embodied the public sealing of a contract, similar to signing a deed today. This custom ensured legal certainty and public accountability, distinct from the Deuteronomy 25:7-10 practice where sandal removal indicated disgrace for refusing levirate duty. In Ruth, it marks solemn consent and legal transfer. The simplicity of the act belies its profound legal and cultural significance, underscoring the values of maintaining family land, name, and lineage within the Israelite tribal framework, all done with established and visible legal precedent.